Our Favorite Farmers’ Market Recipes

As farmers’ markets gear up and home gardens start sprouting, it’s time to think “fresh” in the kitchen. Find one near you at localharvest.org and enjoy these healthy recipes.

California Asparagus Sandwich
California Asparagus Sandwich

California Asparagus Sandwich with Roasted Red Pepper, Mozzarella, Pancetta, and Lemon Aiola
SERVES 4

LEMON AIOLI

SANDWICH

All ingredients should be at room temperature before proceeding. To make Lemon Aioli, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and salt; whisk in mayonnaise and oil. Spread smooth side of each focaccia square with ½ tablespoon aioli. Divide remaining ingredients among 4 squares focaccia, layered in the order listed. Top with remaining focaccia squares. Cut each sandwich in half into 2 triangles. Sandwiches can be served at room temperature or warmed for a few minutes in the oven at 450° F. Sandwiches should not be hot.

Fresh Pea Soup
SERVES 4

Heat oil in large saucepan. Add shallots and garlic and sweat until translucent. Stir in peas, broth, and salt and pepper. Simmer about 5 minutes. Place half of the soup at a time in blender, cover and process until pureed. Return pureed peas to saucepan, stir in yogurt or sour cream and mint.

New Potato Salad
SERVES 4

Steam potatoes until tender; drain and set aside. Steam broccoli and cauliflower, about 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Cut carrots into thin slivers and slice cucumber. Slice potatoes into chunks or slices according to preference. Combine all vegetables in large bowl. In another bowl, combine yogurt, mustard, and black pepper. Whisk until blended. Pour over vegetables and gently toss until all vegetables are coated. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Souffle Omelet with Balsamic Stawberries
Souffle Omelet with Balsamic Stawberries

Souffle Omelet with Balsamic Strawberries
SERVES 2

Confectioners’ sugar, as needed In bowl, combine strawberries, mint, vinegar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of granulated sugar; set aside. In small bowl, whisk egg yolks with vanilla and remaining 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar for 1 minute or until slightly thickened.

In another bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer until they form soft peaks. With rubber spatula, fold yolks into whites until no streaks remain. In 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. (To make 2 individual omelets, use 6-inch nonstick skillet.) When butter is sizzling, add egg mixture, spreading it into an even layer with spatula. Cover pan; reduce heat to low. Cook omelet 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown on bottom and barely set on top. Spoon strawberries down center of omelet; with spatula, fold omelet in half over filling. Slide omelet onto plate; dust with confectioners’ sugar.

HOW FRESH?
Vegetables and fruits are at their peak of freshness and nutrition at the time of picking. They gradually lose nutritional value (particularly the fragile, water-soluble vitamins B and C) the longer they linger uneaten in the refrigerator. For the best nutrient value, harvest from your garden only the amount you need for that day or the next day. When buying from a farmers’ market, make sure to ask whether the produce is locally grown. Frozen vegetables packaged at their peak of freshness may retain more nutrient value than fresh ones shipped from out of state.